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The early registration deadline and hotel cut-off date for the 2007 Agri-Marketing Conference, “Think Big,” is this Wednesday, March 21. Make your reservations on or before March 21 to ensure the early registration rate and secure a hotel room. Registration rates will increase after March 21 and hotel reservations made after that same date are subject to higher rates and potential unavailability.Register now for the agri-marketing event of the year at http://www.nama.org/amc/register.html or call the NAMA office to register at 913-491-6500.

Donations are needed for the 2007 Silent Auction that will be held during the Connection Point trade show, April 11-12. The deadline for submitting donations to be included in the Silent Auction catalog has been extended to March 21.The success of the ABEF Silent Auction proves our association is eager to contribute to the growth and enhancement of the profession of agri-marketing. Please show your support and donate what you can (minimum of $50 value suggested). All proceeds from the auction benefit NAMA’s Student Careers Program.

Time is running out on your chance to win a video iPod! New members who join NAMA between January 1 and April 6, 2007, will be entered into a drawing for a 30 GB Video iPod. In addition, existing NAMA members who recruit these new members will also be entered into the drawing. Just make sure when you recruit a member that they put your name in the “referred by” space on the membership application.The drawing for the iPod will take place at the Connection Point trade show Closing Reception on Thursday, April 12, at the 2007 Agri-Marketing Conference, but you need not be present to win.

Start recruiting members today and take home your new iPod after the conference!

The deadline to sign-up for the ABEF Golf Tournament is Tuesday, March 27. The golf outing will take place Tuesday April 10 at Bear Creek Golf Course in Dallas, TX.

A chartered bus will leave the Hyatt Regency Crown Center at 11:30 a.m. to take everyone to the golf course. Tee time begins at 1:00 p.m. and a golf awards ceremony and reception will follow the outing at the golf course. The price is $125 per golfer.

The celebration of National Ag Day began on Thursday, March 15, with a luncheon on “The Convergence of Food and Fuel” at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Over 250 guests, including representatives from agricultural producers, commodity organizations, and agribusiness representatives, government dignitaries, FFA, 4-H and other youth groups and friends of agriculture joined in the celebration.

Orion Samuelson, WGN Radio/RFD-TV, was the master of ceremony for the event. U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, was the first speaker at the luncheon. Congressman Peterson has been recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of the agricultural industry by receiving awards such as the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award from the American Farm Bureau Federation and the “Golden Triangle Award” from the National Farmers Union.

Following Congressman Peterson’s speech, attendees feasted on lunch courtesy of the National Pork Producers Council. After lunch, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns took the stage to address luncheon attendees. Johanns remarked that the future of American agriculture looks promising because of Farm Bill proposals that are focused on a market-based system. Johanns said that although some of the proposals in the Farm Bill may not be easy for some of those in agriculture, he is optimistic.

According to Johanns, farm cash receipts are expected to reach $259 billion in 2007, which is up $20 billion from 2005, and up $16 billion from 2006. Demand for food and fuel is high and agricultural exports have soared to $78 billion, a $9.3 billion increase in just one year says Johanns. He says that 95 percent of the world’s population lives beyond the U.S. border and that the middle-class outside the U.S. will double by 2020 which means these consumers will eat more as their incomes rise.

Following remarks by Secretary Johanns, Krista Knigge, Case IH, presented LaTasha Cote, 12th grader from Couch High School in Mrytle, MO with a $1,000 prize for her winning Ag Day Essay on “American Agriculture in 2025.” The contest was sponsored by Case IH with support from The Council for Agricultural Science & Technology, High Plains Journal, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, the National Agri-Marketing Association, Country Living Association and McCormick Company.

FFA RallyFollowing the National Ag Day Luncheon, National FFA President, Beau Williamson hosted a rally at the USDA’s Whitten Building patio. The rally showcased the future of renewable energy and American agriculture and featured remarks by Secretary Mike Johanns as well as Greg Webb, ADM Public Affairs, and Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association.